Description
This Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake is a creamy, rich, and beautifully marbled dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust and a homemade strawberry sauce swirl. Perfect for any occasion, this baked cheesecake is smooth, slightly tangy, and bursting with real strawberry flavor!
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Sauce:
- 1½ cups fresh or frozen strawberries
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Make the Strawberry Sauce:
- Cook strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened. Remove from heat, blend if desired, and let cool.
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl.
- Press into a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 10 minutes.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently.
- Stir in vanilla, sour cream, and heavy cream until combined.
- Assemble and Swirl:
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust.
- Drop spoonfuls of strawberry sauce on top and swirl with a toothpick.
- Bake the Cheesecake:
- Place the pan in a water bath and bake for 50-60 minutes until set.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and cool for 1 hour.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Slice and enjoy with extra strawberry sauce!
Notes
- For a crack-free cheesecake, bake in a water bath and cool gradually.
- For a more vibrant swirl, use extra strawberry sauce.
- To slice cleanly, dip the knife in warm water between cuts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American